Once the gadget's topped up, the SolarKindle diverts power to a backup battery.

Eight hours will fully charge the backup, which offers roughly three weeks' use. The battery also powers an LED light, which can run for 50 hours.

Given that Kindle is built for wireless use, with books and gadgets delivered to the gizmo via wi-fi or cellular networks, it's likely many SolarKindle-equipped e-readers may never be plugged in at all, the newspaper said.

The leather-clad pouch with charger panel and battery comes at quite a premium, though - it's $80, only $30 short of the price of Kindle itsel